Virtual Business in a Box

Virtual Business in a Box (VBB) is a new concept aimed at helping businesses in the start up phase with the general administration type of things they need to get their business off the  ground, such   as contract agreements, templates for invoices and quotes, vouchers for web  site and logo design  etc. I started a my main business as a Virtual Assistant (VA) in 2006 when my company, Your Office Online, was born. Providing remote secretarial services for sole traders and small businesses, I have clients in the public and medical sectors, health and beauty industry, coaching industry and I provide administration services ranging from telephone answering and diary management through to full PA services. After receiving a number of calls for aspiring VAs who were constantly constantly asking me questions such as:

and after discussing my business plans with my mentor, I identified that there was a gap in the market for a service to be provided to those people starting out in business who didn’t have the time or inclination to research the internet for the information they needed to set up and get their business up and running.

 

There are many web sites where you can find information about how to set up your business, such as Business Link, Companies House and other businesses who will form the company for you (such asDuport), but none of these sites actually gives anyone tools needed to get the administration side up and running. The idea was to put together everything a sole trader needed, other than trade tools and office equipment, business name and clients, was in one  package. Virtual Business in a Box is literally a boxwhich contains virtually everything you need to start your business – from a voucher for your initial web site and a year’s hosting to templates for contracts and a business plan outline but it also includes links to find further useful information.

 

This concept was initially aimed at the VA sector as that’s my area of expertise. However, when I pitched at a recent seminar for other new and start up business, I was astounded by the interest that was shown for the product by businesses outside of the secretarial sector and have now adapted the product so that most start up businesses should be able to use the product.

 

Available from the end of July (had hope the end of June but had to delay due to technical issues) via an e-c0mmerce site, the full Box will be available for those who need everything although items will also be able to be purchased individually with some items available as digital downloads. I will be updating the blog as my journey progresses towards the launch date with the highs and lows – even though I have set up a business in the past, my new baby is still able to cause me hiccups but with the passion I have for it am positive it will be helpful for many people setting out on their own path to running their own business.